Almost 5 years ago, Estelle & Magan met at a wedding — where M was the photographer and E was a bridesmaid for her best friend's big day. We talked about books for under five minutes, and a friendship was born.

Since then, we’ve shared our love of books, Zac Efron, and shopping on this blog, changed jobs, had babies, moved, visited DC and Disney World together, and constantly stayed connected -- despite the miles between us. RBR has been the our own version of a coffee date, our way to mark the time before we can hang out and gab in person again. Thanks for spending time with us. xoxo

Magan-Jess, it was DEFINITELY under the radar. Haven’t seen much about it. If you give it a shot, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

August 11, 2014 - 3:58 pm

Magan-Thanks, Alexa! It was a really unique story that took me out my comfort zone in a great way. It was so refreshing to read something a little different and from a completely different perspective. 🙂

August 7, 2014 - 8:54 pm

Jess-I’m always a fan of male povs and this book is on the short side so I will have to check it out. This one was certainly under the radar

August 6, 2014 - 8:00 am

The Prince of Venice Beach Themed Gift-Pack-[…] friends! Last week I reviewed The Prince of Venice Beach by Blake Nelson. While I read it, I couldn’t help but jot down a list of things Cali did or items that seemed […]

July 30, 2014 - 12:32 pm

Alexa S.-I do have a soft spot for contemporaries that are about characters in unusual circumstances. Cali sounds like a great guy, even with all he’s had to deal with, and I’d definitely like to know his story! That’s probably why I liked this review so much — you made me curious about him, and his story, and what happens.

Book Breakups: Audiobook Edition | wrapped up in books-[…] Magan at Rather Be Reading: “Ketchup Clouds held my attention as I fought to piece together the mystery of Zoe. While I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the secret in the end, I do feel it was a very age-appropriate reaction to the situation at hand and accurately depicted how I would have felt were I to swap places with Zoe. I really enjoyed that Pitcher chose such a unique way of sharing Zoe’s story, and was happy with (what I’d consider) the surprise I found waiting for me at the end of the book. I was taken a bit outside my element as I was subtly forced to think about a prisoner on Death Row, but equally captivated by the secret Zoe was so afraid to share. If you’re looking for something different that will offer you a unique reading experience, definitely take a chance on Ketchup Clouds.” […]

February 5, 2014 - 12:26 pm

laila mangs-this book is amazing I can’t wait for the end. Zoe and Aaron would make a good couple not Max and Zoe. thanks for listening. 🙂

February 5, 2014 - 12:23 pm

laila mangs-this book is sooooooo good. I really like it. I can’t wait to read the end.

November 4, 2013 - 4:11 pm

Alexa Y.-This book certainly sounds unique! I love the fact that it’s told through letters, and that it feels like there’s such an urgency to those letters. I’m interested in finding out Zoe’s secret, of course, but I’m also curious about Stuart. Great review M!

Lauren-I loved My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece and really wanted to read this (even though I really didn’t know much about it). Glad to hear you enjoyed it overall. I don’t normally like the letter method of revealing a story, but it sounds like it worked for the most part (death row killer’s last days hypothesizing aside). Definitely still excited to give this one a try. Lovely balanced review!

October 17, 2013 - 12:08 am

Bookworm1858-I love epistolary novels so I think this novel will really work for me. I like what I’ve heard about Pitcher’s writing in this book and My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece.

October 16, 2013 - 9:35 pm

Lauren @ Love is not a triangle-I didn’t really know anything about this book before your review, and it definitely intrigues me. The entire book is told in letter form, correct? And it sounds like she’s recounting the past, instead of telling this man about her current life? I can definitely understand the desire to share with a stranger. Wanting to tell SOMEONE, but someone that you don’t know, who won’t judge you. But it’s a very interesting choice to pick this inmate. I can see where the sections about him wouldn’t be as compelling if he’s unable to write back to her. I’m curious about the secret, and the form of the story is pretty fascinating, but the fact that this girl faces very YA problems, is less intriguing. Thanks so much for your review!

October 16, 2013 - 8:49 am

alice-jane-I’ve been wanting to read Ketchup Clouds ever since I first found out about it. I loved My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, Annabel PItcher’s previous work. I’m glad that Ketchup Clouds doesn’t disappoint. While Ketchup Clouds sounds like it does have its faults, I think I’m still going to pick it up.

Alexa Y.-This sounds like a potentially great summer read! I do like the fact that there’s romance for BOTH girls and not just one of them. And also the fact that there’s friendship, and summer adventures to be had. Plus, the setting seems so magical and realistic and within my reach (for real)!

May 20, 2013 - 5:27 pm

Rachel-WHY have I not heard of this one yet? I mean seriously. This book sounds perfect for me. First off, boys. We all know how I feel about that topic. Second, summer. I love summer. And also I already love Rory and Isobel so basically it’s probably going to be love at first read when this one’s released. Lovely review, as always 🙂

May 17, 2013 - 6:33 am

Lori-This sounds like such a good summer read! I’m adding it to my TBR right now.

May 16, 2013 - 10:47 am

Tara-This sounds like the PERFECT book to read for the Summer Series 🙂 But I have to read Nantucket Blue first…

May 16, 2013 - 2:10 am

Wendy-This sounds like a great summer read! Great review — adding to my TBR!

I grew up in Westhampton so I knew the college and I know the area well and I’m excited to read this. Part of me always hates books/movies/TV shows that have to do with the Hamptons because I feel like they’re so far removed from me and my friends’ experiences, but this one seems like I might really like it. Especially if it’s Nantucket Blue 2 (I really like how that rhymes…).

May 15, 2013 - 1:34 pm

Liz (Along for the Read)-Sounds like a fun summer read. I always notice Joanna Philbin’s books at the store but never was too interested in them, this sounds much more my style though. Definitely adding it to the TBR

May 15, 2013 - 1:23 pm

elena-love the last line about hearing the ocean in your head! such a visceral reaction. i love discovering books that have places you know too. it’s not often but funny thing is john green wrote about indiana + florida. anyway i’m glad that these girls are friends…(sort of? i’m not sure) and yay for cute boys! wonderful review.

May 15, 2013 - 10:02 am

Brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide-Oooh this one sounds great! I laughed out loud because I was like, “Wow, this sounds a lot like Nantucket Blue, which I loved!” And then you said the same thing 🙂 Must put it on my TBR list!! Great review!

May 15, 2013 - 9:30 am

Alicia-I know that feeling of having books set in places you know!! For me, I get excited even if the book just mentions my favourite band, or food or ANYTHING that makes me feel part of the story. Rules of Summer looks really good– you’ve officially piqued my curiousity about Rory and Isobel’s family secrets 😉